We are deeply saddened to share the news of the death of our long time board member, ​Stephen Hallstrom on July 1, 2018. Steve and Cecelia have been members of SSCFLT since 2010. Steve was an active board member for many years, including being the Chair of the Farmland Preservation Committee.

Steve was a passionate force in the local farming community not only running Let Us Farm including a longstanding internship program to help aspiring farmers, but working closely with several local conservation districts, land trusts and other local farmers. Steve was always willing to speak out when he saw a need in the farming community, whether there was a policy that needed changing or a farmer that needed a positive word or a helping hand.

Steve has left a legacy behind not to be forgotten.Let Us Farm was recently protected with a conservation easement with PCC Farmland Trust; in 2010 the farm won the Vim Wright Stewardship Farm Award and you can view the video about the farm here.

Steve requested there not be a service, however his family has provided a beautiful obituary where you can leave messages and memories. Some of our board members sentiments are below, you are welcome to comment here as well.

----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a volunteer with Steve these past 5 1/2 years since he joined the SSCFLT board. I am humbled by his choice to continue sharing his wisdom and counsel, expertise and financial support with our small non-profit during this past year when he knew life for him would soon come to an end. ... I see in my mind’s eye the chair that will be empty each time we meet. I feel the sorrow at our loss. -- Loretta Seppanen

He was ours, and we are all so deeply blessed to have had him in our lives. I have never before witnessed that level of commitment to a life of dignity and integrity. He was there for others until the last moment of his life. What a thing of true beauty. I will carry him forward in my own life, and I needed his example dearly. -Patricia Hickey

I’m beyond sad to hear Steve’s passing. He was an amazing human being. I’ve learned much from him in the past year. – Lainie Kertesz